Climate change and gender

2DU Kenya 84 (5367322092)

Wangari Maathai in 2001

Female minus male life expectancy vs. Non-communicable disease death rates, OWID

Projected impact of climate change on agricultural yields by the 2080s, compared to 2003 levels (Cline, 2007)

WomenWorking SeaweedZanzibar 2

CARE-CCAFS in Gender & Participatory Research in Ghana (14416212040)

Climate Change and Gender refers to the complex relationship between climate change impacts and gender dynamics. This topic explores how gender inequalities affect and are affected by climate change, emphasizing the different ways in which men, women, and non-binary individuals experience and respond to climate-related challenges. Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing effective and equitable climate policies and interventions.

Overview

Climate change is a global issue that affects ecosystems, economies, and communities across the world. However, its impacts are not felt equally by all. Gender, along with other social factors such as race, class, and age, plays a significant role in determining the vulnerability and adaptive capacities of individuals and groups to climate change. Women, particularly those in developing countries and in poor communities, often face higher risks and greater burdens from the impacts of climate change due to existing social, economic, and political inequalities.

Gendered Impacts of Climate Change

Climate change has a variety of impacts that can be experienced differently by different genders. These include:

Health

Women and girls often face greater health risks from climate change, including malnutrition, stress, and diseases related to water and sanitation, due to their roles in fetching water and cooking.

Agriculture

In many regions, women are primarily responsible for food production and household water supply. Changes in climate, such as droughts and floods, can exacerbate their workload and reduce their access to natural resources.

Displacement

Climate-induced disasters, such as hurricanes and floods, lead to displacement, with women and children being particularly vulnerable to related risks, including gender-based violence.

Economic Security

Women’s economic security is often more directly tied to natural resources, which are increasingly threatened by climate change. Their limited access to credit, land, and other economic resources also hinders their ability to adapt.

Gender-responsive Climate Action

Recognizing the gendered dimensions of climate change is essential for creating effective and just climate solutions. Gender-responsive climate action includes:

Policy Integration

Integrating gender considerations into climate policies, strategies, and action plans ensures that climate interventions are equitable and effective for all genders.

Empowerment

Empowering women and girls through education, resources, and decision-making opportunities is critical for fostering resilient communities and effective climate action.

Participation

Ensuring the participation of women and non-binary individuals in climate-related decision-making processes helps to address their specific needs and perspectives.

Challenges and Opportunities

Addressing the intersection of climate change and gender presents both challenges and opportunities. While gender inequalities can exacerbate vulnerability to climate change, integrating gender perspectives into climate action can lead to more sustainable and inclusive outcomes. This requires a concerted effort from governments, NGOs, and communities to recognize and act on the gendered dimensions of climate change.